Running for a cause gives Wellingtonians an extra special reason to get involved in Brendan Foot Supersite Round the Bays in 2022. On Sunday 20 February 13,000+ runners and walkers will have the opportunity to raise funds and awareness for one of four official event charities.
This year, the Principal Charity is the Cancer Society Wellington, who will receive $1 from every adult registration plus donations made during the campaign. They are joined by three Affiliate charities; Mental Health Foundation, Outward Bound, and Zealandia, who will also benefit from the boosted profile which will help these charities to continue their vital mahi in our community.
Having been an Affiliate Charity in 2021, the Cancer Society Wellington team are excited about the opportunity that being the Principal Charity provides for raising greater awareness and funds for the work they do in cancer care, survivorship, and prevention.
"I remember the call that changed life for mum, and while the time following was much of a blur, the constant support and presence of the Cancer Society Wellington was what helped us get through. I remember seeing the comfort in her eyes as one of the Cancer Society volunteers offered her a sandwich and a kind word during the chemotherapy sessions. This was when I realised I needed to help the Cancer Society so they could continue this support for others" – Kirsty, past participant.
Run for a Cause was launched in 2019 by Nuku Ora, organisers of Brendan Foot Supersite Round the Bays as a way to support charities that care for our wider community. Runners and walkers alike can raise funds and help spread awareness about their chosen charity with their friends, whānau, and communities through the online fundraising platform provided.
"I had competed in Round the Bays previously – mum was always my cheerleader, but I had never run for a cause. Participating in the event helped us grieve but also celebrate mum," Kirsty said. "In 2022 I'll be getting involved again as it is a way my whānau and I can show our appreciation for those at the Cancer Society Wellington. I'll be running alongside friends and family who have been diagnosed and those who have passed. I'll be doing it for my mother, Lorraine".
John Henton, Fundraising and Communications Manager at Cancer Society Wellington, and his team hear stories of appreciation for their work often and are grateful for their community.
"Cancer Society Wellington loves being part of this iconic event in the heart of Wellington," Henton said. "Nuku Ora and Cancer Society Wellington share a mission that echoes 'dedication to improving the wellbeing and health of our communities. We know that being active and practising a healthy lifestyle and sun-smart behaviours allows us to take on challenges, and Brendan Foot Supersite Round the Bays is a great place to start."
Nuku Ora Event Manager, Patrick Pierce, is excited to have a team of charities on board that aligns with the new Nuku Ora strategy. "This year, it was important for Nuku Ora to have charities on board who align with our vision: Hauora. Everyone active, healthy and happy. We chose those who care for whānau (families), te whenua (environment) and rangatahi (young people) – the Mental Health Foundation, Outward Bound and Zealandia. Each of these charities gives back to our communities and provide opportunities for growth, whether that be physically, mentally, or spiritually"
The Mental Health Foundation returns as an Affiliate Charity this year and has been a part of the event since 2018. In 2021 they had 243 participants involved in their Move for Mental Health Campaign raising funds to spread awareness about Mental Health across our region.
For the first time, Outward Bound is on board as an Affiliate Charity. Outward Bound will be encouraging alumni new and old to take up the challenge of 10 or 21km and become an ‘OB Champion’ to fundraise and help make Outward Bound a reality for someone else. Through this pay-it-forward fundraising approach, Outward Bound hope to be able to help even more people with the confidence, skills and resilience to become leaders in their own lives.
The third Affiliate Charity involved in the 2022 campaign is Zealandia. Situated in Karori, it is the world's first urban completely fenced ecosanctuary, where the biodiversity of 225 hectares of forest is being restored.
"Zealandia is thrilled to be partnering with Round the Bays as an Affiliate Charity to support people in getting active in nature. We are working hard alongside the entire Wellington community to ensure our wild places are brimming with native wildlife, which does wonders for our wellbeing," said Dr Danielle Shanahan, Director Centre for People and Nature, Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne.
To find out more about the charities and how you can support them, visit www.wellingtonroundthebays/runforacause. Participants can sign-up to Run for a Cause through the event registration platform.
This year Brendan Foot Supersite Round the Bays will take place on Sunday 20 February 2022. Registrations open Monday 1 November with Early Bird pricing available until 30 November.